The Golden State Warriors still have to figure out what to do with their second overall pick for the 2020 NBA Draft. If they fail to find a suitable deal, they are likely to use that and pick James Wiseman from the draft. It addresses their big man needs but the 7-foot-1 center is far from the player that the Dubs need for their redemption bid.
Though they are listening to offers, one has yet to come their way. Ironically, it turns out that the Warriors tried to offer their pick to some unnamed team with hopes of getting another veteran player to the mix. Nothing transpired but it seems clear that the Warriors are taking the initiative.
It remains unclear if that player they almost got was Jrue Holiday of the New Orleans Pelicans. The name of the 30-year-old has been mentioned in trade talks but nothing has gone down. While there is no question that Holiday is a tested commodity, seeing him join the Golden State Warriors just does not add up.
“He’s different.”
Lil’ peek of Klay hitting the court in The Dubble
» https://t.co/khaDHjZclP pic.twitter.com/IcKIXdG75A — Golden State Warriors (@warriors) November 5, 2020
For one, the remainder of Holiday’s contract may not fit the budget of the Warriors. The 30-year-old is owed $51.5 million for the next two years, a big amount that the Dubs are unlikely able to absorb. Golden State only has a $17.2 million trade exception room, clearly not enough to take in Holiday.
Hence, all the Warrior can do for now is play the waiting game. If no good offer comes before Nov. 18, they are likely to use that pick with Wiseman in mind. Though it can address their personnel needs, some question if it would be wise to pick the former Memphis Tiger over Anthony Edwards.
Edwards is undoubtedly a talented player, someone that could come back to haunt the Warriors if they pass him up. The 19-year-old is likely to end up with the Charlotte Hornets if LaMelo Ball goes to the Minnesota Timberwolves and Wiseman to the Dubs.
Trading down remains an option for the Warriors. The New York Knicks still looms as the best trade partner if Mitchell Robinson is part of the deal. Along with the Knicks 8th overall pick, New York could finally pick the offensive player they want. It immensely raises their chances on Ball or Edward, depending on who is available. More twists should crop up in the coming weeks.
The 2020 NBA Draft happens on Nov. 18.
